The Tennessee Tech Board of Trustees approved an estimated $2.7 million project Friday to construct a new University Tower.
The tower would be built at the intersection of University Drive and Wilmore Way. Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham said the tower would be about 70 feet tall. However, Oldham said the tower has not been designed yet, but the project needed approval.
“The main reason we need to get this approved now by the board is so that we can take it to the building commission next month on their calendar, and that way we can go ahead and hire an architect to do the full designs,” Oldham said.
Oldham said the exact cost for the project is still to be determined. Vice President for Planning and Finance Dr. Claire Stinson said funds for the project have been provided by an anonymous donor.
“The majority of that will come from gift funds,” Stinson said. “This $2.7 million does include estimated inflation costs from the time we disclosed the project until we actually get it done, of about five percent. So you know, it could be less than that, but we think that project budget is certainly a safe budget.”
The board asked what would be inside the tower. Stinson said it would have some internal workings, but is not sure what all will be included.
The board asked if there would be a second opportunity to review the design before construction. Oldham said they would have that opportunity.
“There will be an opportunity to look at the design as recommended by the design team before it’s a done deal,” Oldham said.
Oldham said the donated funds are specifically for the construction of the tower.